Overview:

Myelin Basic Protein (MBP) is a major protein of the myelin sheath. The region of the protein that is required for folding, polymerization and substrate specificities is conserved among various species. This conserved region may also have a specialized role in protein-lipid interactions in the myelin membrane (1). MBP is expressed in oligodendrocytes, thus antibodies to MBP are useful tools for identifying this cell type. In the central nervous system there are there different forms of the protein made by alternate transcription from a single gene. These isoforms have molecular weights of 21.5, 18.5, and 17.2 kDa. Because the two smaller isoforms have similar molecular weights, Western blots using MBP antibodies typically result in two bands.

References:

1. Chapman, et al: Confomation of myelin basic protein and its role in myelin formation. Adv Exp Med Biol 1978;100:207-20.